Food Rock Star Visits Portland

"Good food is like pornography, you know it when you see it," is how Michael Pollan opened up his lecture last night at the Schnitz as part of the Arts and Lecture series. Mr. Pollan, bestselling author of The Omnivores Dilemna, and most recently, In Defense of Food, spoke of American's susceptibility to food fads, unsupported "facts" and dietary guidelines eased into place by good old American marketing and industrial lobbyists. On the face of it, it's surprising that these rather humorless topics can draw in a sell-out crowd, but both Mr. Pollan's speaking and writing are based on genuinely interesting research and a witty style and presentation that often alternates making one think or laugh. He definitely has a mission, but does it without frothing at the mouth. Speaking of which- where does a food guru eat while in Portland? Yesterday, lunch was with Greg Higgins at Higgins Restaurant. 

Author, Michael Pollan